How-to

Windows Subsystem for Linux instance has terminated

Short post on how to recovery from “The Windows Subsystem for Linux instance has terminated” with exit code 4294967295 (0xffffffff) which I have had a number of times recently. Usually after taking my notebook on the road without closing sessions then returning and connecting back to my dock.

There are a number of recommendations you’ll find searching how to recover but many also date back to WSL v1. And many indicate terminating services that also require a reboot. That’s not necessary for me. This is what works, and I am documenting it so I can find it quickly next time.

Recovery from WSL terminated with exit code 4294967295

In my case I’m running Ubuntu in WSL2. In a PowerShell window run the following command.

wsl --shutdown

Start a new WSL (Ubuntu) session and you’ll be back up and running.

Darren Robinson

Bespoke learnings from a Microsoft Identity and Access Management Architect using lots of Microsoft Identity Manager, Azure Active Directory, PowerShell, SailPoint IdentityNow and Lithnet products and services.